Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer, Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, popularly known as Patoranking is celebrating his 34th birthday today.
Born on May 27, 1990, Patoranking is one of the major players in the African music industry.
Although the singer is originally from Onicha, Ebonyi State, he was born and raised in the Ebute Metta community of Lagos State, Nigeria.
Patoranking who grew up in a very humble and close-knit household, sharing a one-room apartment with his parents and five siblings was determined to create a better future for himself with his God-given talent, hence, the beginning of his music career.
He became a protégé of Dem Mama Records owned by Nigerian singer, Timaya, and together, in 2013, they dropped the hit single ‘Alubarika’.
In February 2014, he signed a record label deal with Foston Musik and released another monster hit titled ‘Girlie O’ which he went ahead to feature Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage on the remix.
Patoranking’s debut album ‘God Over Everything’ was released in 2016 and featured hit singles like ‘This Kind Luv’ featuring Wizkid, ‘No Kissing Baby’ with Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie, ‘Money’ featuring Nigerian rapper Phyno, ‘Daniella Whine’ featuring Jamaica’s Elephant Man and Konshens, amongst others.
His single with Sarkodie received nominations at the MTV African Music Awards and the Headies Awards in 2016.
Other albums by Patoranking include ‘Wilmer’ which was named after his first daughter and released in 2019 and ‘Three’ released in 2020 which won the Headies Award for Best Reggae Dancehall Album in 2022.
Other awards won by the superstar include 2 Soundcity MVP Awards, 1 4syte Music Video Award, 1 AFRIMA, 1 Vodafone Ghana Music Award, 1 MTV Africa Music Award, 4 Ben TV Awards, and many others.
Happy Birthday to one of Africa’s best!